Laboratory Medicine

Test Directory / Anti-Histone Antibody

Anti-Histone Antibody

Brown clotted serum, gel barrier

Test	Anti-Histone Antibody
Common Abbreviations	AHIST
Profile	N/A
Clinical Indication	Histones are basic proteins which bind to DNA within the nuclei of cells. Anti-histone antibodies are found in patients with SLE and patients with DIL. In SLE, anti-histone antibodies do not provide any better diagnostic information than DNA and anti-nuclear antibodies but in drug induced lupus, a typical antibody profile consists of anti-nuclear antibodies, anti-histone antibodies but rarely dsDNA antibodies and extractable nuclear antibodies. Drugs implicated in DIL include hydralazine, procainamide and isoniazid.
Specimen Type	Blood
Sample Type	Serum
Minimum Volume	2 mL
Special Precautions	No special requirements
Stability	Contact Referral Laboratory
Turnaround Time	3 weeks
Laboratory	Immunology Department, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield
Reference Interval	Contact Referral Laboratory
Limitations	Contact Referral Laboratory

Update for visitors

Visiting restrictions are in place at our hospitals to stop the spread of norovirus. These restrictions will be in place until further notice.

The following wards are closed to visitors:

York Hospital: Ward 29 and Ward 37.

There are four exceptions only to the restrictions. These are:

For patients who are receiving end of life care

Paediatric patients (babies and children)

Maternity care

The family carers of those with dementia

We understand these restrictions can be difficult when a loved one is unwell. The restrictions will be reviewed daily and lifted as soon as it is safe. Thank you for your understanding as we try to reduce the spread of norovirus in our hospitals.